When school lets out for Christmas, a lot of Mount Pleasant families start thinking about the dental care they have been putting off. For teens and college students, one of the biggest items on that list is often wisdom teeth. Winter break can be a smart time to take care of them, as long as you plan ahead.
Why winter break works well
Wisdom teeth usually show up in the late teens or early twenties, right when school, sports, jobs and activities keep everyone busy. Winter break gives students a stretch of time without classes or tests, which means a few quiet days at home to rest after treatment.
Students at Northeast Texas Community College, or those coming home from college for the holidays, can get it done without missing lectures. High schoolers can recover without missing practice or class. For parents, it is often easier to be home to help during a holiday week.
Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth out
Some people keep their wisdom teeth for life without any trouble. Others have teeth that come in only partway, stay trapped under the gums, or crowd the teeth next to them. That can lead to soreness, swelling, food getting stuck and a higher chance of decay or infection in the back of the mouth.
The only way to know is an exam with an x-ray. Your dentist will look at how the teeth are positioned and whether they are likely to cause problems, then explain the options in plain terms. If the teeth are healthy and have room, the answer may simply be to keep an eye on them at your regular checkups.
Plan around the calendar
- Get the exam in November. This leaves time to look at the x-ray, talk through options and check insurance before break starts.
- Pick a date early in the break. Scheduling near the start gives more recovery time before school and holiday plans pick back up.
- Think about holiday events. If there is a big family dinner or a trip planned, try to schedule a few days before it, not the day before.
- Use this year's benefits. If your dental plan resets on January 1, a December visit may let you use benefits you have left this year.
Comfort options for nervous patients
It is normal to feel uneasy about having teeth removed. If you or your teen feel anxious, ask about sedation dentistry. Options like nitrous oxide or oral sedation can help you feel calm and relaxed during treatment. If you choose oral sedation, plan for a ride home and follow the instructions your dentist gives you before the visit.
Getting ready for recovery
Your dentist will give you written aftercare instructions, and those come first. A few things that help most people get ready:
- Stock up on soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, applesauce, soup that has cooled and smoothies eaten with a spoon.
- Skip straws for the first days, since sucking can disturb healing.
- Plan a few days of rest with movies, books or video games.
- Keep our number handy in case you have questions while you heal.
Holiday favorites like tamales, brisket and crunchy snacks can wait until you are healed and your dentist says it is okay. Call us right away if you have severe pain, swelling that keeps getting worse, a fever or bleeding that will not stop.
Schedule your wisdom teeth exam
Learn more on our wisdom teeth page, then give us a call at 903-572-4141 or book online to get an exam on the calendar before break. Pleasant Smiles Dental is at 204 W 19th St in Mount Pleasant, and we will take an x-ray, explain what we see and give you a clear plan.
